Four Fun Things to Do in Norfolk, VA with Kids

Norfolk, Virginia is a city that offers many things to do for families looking for a getaway with plenty of activities for kids and parents. Although families often choose the sand of Virginia Beach for a family vacation, Norfolk is a great weekend destination, as well.

The greater Hampton Roads area is filled with engaging cultural and educational activities that are available for all ages. Although watching the cruise ships come in and out of port is a spectacle that will entertain kids for hours, four fun things to do in Norfolk, VA with kids stand out as a way to spend a special weekend.

Norfolk Botanical Garden

Norfolk Botanical Garden offers a beautiful setting to take a walk to see stunning plants and flowers that you wish you could grow in your own yard. In addition to the pristine grounds, the Botanical Garden offers children an amazing fountain area that is perfect for a warm day.

The WOW Children’s Garden has two large areas with fountains large and small, with several other interactive areas that are designed to educate and entertain. Two of our favorites are the The Discovery Peak area that allows you to follow the world’s Trade Route and find plants from different continents, and the Plant Safari area includes places for children to tell time with their body on a sundial, and follow a trail through of wetlands, forests, grassland and desert areas.

The children’s area at Norfolk Botanical Gardens has fountains, a butterfly garden and play area.

The Children’s Museum of Virginia

Located across Norfolk Harbor in Portsmouth, the Children’s Museum of Virginia is not to be missed. One of the best ways to get to the museum is by ferry. You can pick up the ferry boat right at the Waterside Marketplace in downtown Norfolk and it brings you to Portsmouth within just a few blocks of the museum.

Inside the museum, there are two levels of hands-on activities that will entertain and educate the entire family. Everything about the museum is well done. Children (and adults) can explore electricity and magnets, art and architecture, and even launch rockets. There is a train room with a replica of the city with crawl-through tunnels where children can see the city and trains from the inside looking out. Younger children especially will love the market area where they can shop for groceries and use the cash register to pay.

The Children’s Museum of Virginia is one of the fun things to do in Norfolk, VA with kids.

TowneBank Fountain Park

TowneBank Fountain Park is a seasonal attraction located in Town Point Park right on the Norfolk waterfront. From mid-April through the end of September, families can take part in lawn games like sack races, hula hoops or splash and get wet in the large water fountain.

The park offers family friendly events year round including concerts and festivals that run from April to October. Families can bring a picnic and look at the boats docked at the Waterside Marina. Boat and water lovers will appreciate the Norfolk waterfront with large military battleships and cruise lines coming and going. While you are there, children will also love finding some of the mermaids located around the park (and around the city). Bonus: The park offers free Wi-Fi so you can stay connected and post your favorite photos immediately.

Norfolk is filled with statues of mermaids to find!

Community Beach Park

Because Norfolk Community Beach Park is on the Chesapeake Bay, you can count on mild waves that are just right for kids to play in. There are shelters for picnics and bathrooms nearby. Lifeguards are on duty from 10 am to 6 pm weekdays beginning around Memorial Day until Labor Day weekend. Concessions are also available.